Details On Baker Mayfield’s Extension

Although Mayfield’s self-imposed deadline came and went over a month ago, the sides were not far off then, according to reports from Albert Breer of SI.com and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Mayfield said several weeks ago that he felt “disrespected a little bit,” though there was never bad blood between him and the team, Breer relays. They mutually decided to restart talks last week, and the new batch of discussions yielded a three-year, $165MM agreement on Tuesday.

Mayfield, who earned $33.3MM per year on the pact he signed in 2024, is now one of 13 quarterbacks averaging at least $50MM per season. His contract features a cash flow of $50MM in each year from 2026-28 and $55MM in ’29, per Breer. There is also a $150MM injury guarantee, including $30MM that Mayfield has already received this year.

The Buccaneers previously made two-year offers to Mayfield, but they added a third when they reengaged with his camp. The length of the contract was the “sticking point,” Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times says. While Mayfield hoped for four years, he was willing to settle for three to stay in Tampa Bay. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick and former Brown, Panther and Ram revived his career after joining the Buccaneers on a prove-it deal worth $8.5MM in 2023.

Tasked with replacing the retired Tom Brady, Mayfield has earned a pair of Pro Bowl nods, gone over 4,000 yards in two seasons, and tossed 95 touchdowns against 37 picks in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers, who have won two NFC South titles with Mayfield, are happy to continue with him for the long haul. General manager Jason Licht heaped praise on Mayfield on Tuesday (via Brianna Dix of the team’s website).

“From the moment Baker arrived, he brought a belief and competitive edge that has had a tremendous impact on our football team,” Licht said. “He has earned the respect of everyone in our building with the way he prepares, competes and holds himself accountable. His toughness and ability to deliver in big moments are a big part of what makes him special, but what really stands out is the leadership he brings every day. Baker is the heartbeat of this team, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have a quarterback and leader like him.”

Mayfield, who has yet to miss a game as a Buccaneer, displayed the “toughness” Licht mentioned when he played through various injuries last year. However, the season was a step back for the Buccaneers. Not only did they finish 8-9 and fail to win a weak division (8-9 Carolina took it via tiebreaker), but their streak of five straight playoff berths ended. Now, having made a lengthy and expensive commitment to Mayfield, the Bucs no doubt expect to reestablish themselves as the best team in the division and legitimate NFC contenders for the foreseeable future.